Latest news with #JohnstonCarmichael
Epoch Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Epoch Times
UK Losing ‘Mission Critical' Net Zero Supply Chain as Projects, Talent Move Overseas: Report
The UK is losing 'mission critical' supply chain capacity needed to deliver net zero, the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) has warned, highlighting an 'alarming exodus' of workers and projects relocating abroad. In its 41st Energy Transition survey, The survey found that two-thirds of these firms expect to increase their overseas staffing in the next five years. Many also expect that most of their work will be based abroad by 2030, with this shift possibility beginning as early as 2027–28. According to the survey, almost half (46 percent) say that staff are already leaving to find work in international regions, triggered by a lack of viable energy projects in the UK, as well as weak domestic confidence. Only 5 percent said that they were losing workers to the renewables industry, which authors said reflected a lack of projects. The report, published in association with renewables energy group D2Zero and business advisers Johnston Carmichael, said: 'Despite the UK's stated ambition to lead the energy transition, the report shows that activity across renewables, electrification and decarbonisation technologies remains flat. 'Companies warn that the current trajectory could permanently undermine the UK's ability to deliver net zero using domestic supply chains.' Related Stories 5/23/2025 3/25/2025 The survey's findings come as others, including SNP MP Kirsty Blackman, have No Net Zero Without Industrial Base Russell Borthwick, chief executive of the AGCC, called the survey a 'wake-up call for policymakers.' He said: 'You cannot deliver net zero by exporting your industrial base. If we continue to erode competitiveness through incoherent energy policy and excessive taxation, we risk offshoring the entire supply chain that is essential to the UK's future energy system.' Mark Stewart, head of energy, infrastructure, and sustainability at Johnston Carmichael, said the report reflects what many of their clients are saying. Firms have told Johnston Carmichael that inconsistent and uncertain energy policies now pose a greater threat to investment than global market trends or commodity prices. He added his company has also noted a growing trend of capital and skilled workers moving overseas, particularly in areas like offshore wind, carbon capture, and other decarbonisation technologies. 'The energy transition isn't failing because of a lack of ambition—it's failing because of a lack of execution. Businesses are ready to invest, innovate, and diversify, but they need stable, predictable conditions to do so. Right now, the economics simply don't stack up for many green projects,' Stewart said. Next Generation of Energy Jobs The warnings from business leaders come after Blackman told fellow MPs in April that the rate of job creation in the renewables market is failing to keep pace with the decline of the oil and gas industry. As a result, experienced North Sea workers may seek opportunities abroad. The SNP MP cautioned that this could lead to a critical skills shortage, which could impact the government's plans to expand the UK's renewable energy sector. The BP ETAP (Eastern Trough Area Project) oil platform in the North Sea, 100 miles east of Aberdeen, Scotland, on Feb. 24, 2014. Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images In response to the AGCC's report, a British government spokesperson told The Epoch Times: 'The government recognises that oil and gas production in the North Sea will be with us for decades to come and is committed to managing the energy transition in a way that supports jobs in both existing and future industries. 'We have taken rapid steps to deliver the next generation of good jobs for North Sea workers in a fair and orderly transition as part of our Plan for Change—including the biggest investment in offshore wind and two first-of-a-kind carbon capture and storage clusters.' The spokesperson added that this comes alongside the formation of Great British Energy, which has previously announced a £300 million investment in British supply chains. 'Just Transition' for Workers Last week, a report by the Just Transition Commission The Scottish Government told The Epoch Times that workers 'are at the heart of Scotland's just transition to net zero,' and it was working with the energy sector to plan for a multi-skilled workforce which can adapt to different roles as the sector evolves. 'We will continue to work together with organisations and workers across the region to ensure people and the communities they live in continue to thrive,' the Scottish Government said.
The Herald Scotland
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Trossachs coopering facility backed by £1.3 million investment
The new facility has been launched by Gary Drummond, who is a second-generation cooper with more than 18 years of experience. Trossachs Cooperage has created 12 skilled local jobs in the first year with four long-service coopers who bring more than 120 years of combined experience to the business. Four apprentices have also been recruited with will deliver training, including from Gary's father who is also an experienced cooper. The cooperage is based at premises on the Cambusmore Estate, Ballachallan, which are currently undergoing a comprehensive fit-out ahead of operations beginning in May 2025. Read More It will feature custom-built, state-of-the-art machinery and high-spec rejuvenation system with the latest safety features. Gary, who honed his craft at Diageo's Carsebridge and Cambus cooperages, said: 'The Scotch whisky industry is a pillar of Scotland's food and drink economy, but coopering — a centuries-old craft — has faced serious challenges. Skills shortages and limited repair capacity have led to hundreds of thousands of casks being scrapped, which if repaired and rejuvenated could have gone back into circulation. Subsequently, distillers are forced to solely rely on costly first fill casks. 'Trossachs Cooperage aims to reverse that trend by repairing, rejuvenating, and hardening oak casks to make them fit for fill — reducing waste, cutting costs, and lowering environmental impact. Our ethos is built on skills, sustainability, and Scottish craftsmanship, and we are incredibly proud to drive this forward from Callander. 'The support from our investment group, along with the strategic guidance from partners like Johnston Carmichael, has been instrumental in bringing our vision to life — especially at a time when investment and renewed confidence in the Scotch whisky sector are so vitally needed." Chaired by David Ovens, Joint Managing Director at Archangel Investors, the project has benefited from the early and ongoing support of leading business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael, legal specialists Thorntons, and property expert Jonathan Sutton. 'Johnston Carmichael played a pivotal role in identifying and connecting the right partners, using their extensive network and deep industry insight to bring together a team with the expertise needed to drive the project forward. (Image: Trossachs Cooperage) Adam Hardie, Business Development Partner and Head of Food & Drink at Johnston Carmichael, said: 'Trossachs Cooperage is exactly the kind of entrepreneurial venture Scotland's food and drink sector needs. With its ethos rooted in tradition, yet firmly focused on the future, it has been a pleasure to support Gary. 'The commitment to inspiring and shaping the next generation of coopers is remarkable, and I have every confidence that this business will quickly become a valuable asset to Scotland's iconic whisky industry.' Built with sustainability at its core, the facility is committed to achieving zero waste. All waste materials - from offcuts to sawdust - will be recycled, repurposed, or converted into firewood, which will be used in their traditional rejuvenation process. The cooperage will also be powered by 100% renewable energy, drawn from both solar and wind sources, ensuring minimal environmental impact across its operations. Trossachs Cooperage has already attracted interest from multiple distillers and secured its first customer, The Borders Distillery, who will support the traditional rejuvenation process. The company also has bold plans for expansion in the coming months. John Fordyce, Managing Director at The Borders Distillery, said: 'Gary and the team have committed to reviving traditional rejuvenation methods for casks and we are delighted to be sending up our first batch ready for the opening. The initiative taken by Trossachs and the investors is forward thinking and bold. It opens up opportunity for Borders and we are looking forward to our collaboration.'
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Johnston Carmichael expands Newcastle tax team
UK-based accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael has expanded its Newcastle tax team with the addition of three senior tax experts. Will Hamilton and Rebecca McColl have joined as senior managers, while Zita Duggan has taken up the role of manager. The appointments bring experience in corporate tax compliance, innovation tax reliefs, and employee share schemes. Hamilton has 24 years of experience in corporate tax compliance and strategic planning, while McColl specialises in research and development and innovation tax incentives. Duggan specialises in employee share schemes and tax-efficient remuneration structures, the accounting firm said. Since opening its Newcastle office in 2023, Johnston Carmichael has seen considerable growth, expanding its team to 18 members. The firm also moved to larger office spaces in August 2024 and April 2025 to accommodate its growing operations. It now provides advisory services to a diverse clientele, including entrepreneurial businesses, scale-ups, and established companies throughout the North East. Johnston Carmichael VAT and Indirect Tax partner and head Alex Nicholson said: 'From day one, our ambition in Newcastle has been to combine technical expertise with a local, hands-on approach to client service. In under two years, we've built a fantastic team, and the arrival of Will, Rebecca and Zita marks another exciting step forward. 'Their experience will be vital as we continue to grow and support even more brilliant businesses across the region. It's fantastic to be able to offer the local market the full suite of tax services from our Newcastle team, with specialists in personal taxation, corporate tax, VAT, innovation taxes, employee incentives, employment tax and global mobility.' The recent appointments are in line with previous strategic hires, including global mobility specialist Tom Harrison and North East private client tax director Chris Hodgson. In October 2024, Johnston Carmichael bolstered its workforce by adding 92 new students across its offices in Scotland and Newcastle. "Johnston Carmichael expands Newcastle tax team" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Edinburgh Live
08-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
Enterprising Edinburgh bartender launches app to 'bring fun back' to pubs
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A former bartender who felt pubs were becoming a 'sad place' following the pandemic has launched an app to 'inject the fun' back in. Eilidh Mutch, 25, spent years working behind bars in the capital. After Covid, she set out on enticing punters back into pubs after the sector took a hit. She's now launched an app, Tavora, that offers bar goers a chance to win a prize with every order. Elidih, from Newington, managed to secure funding and trial it at boozers across the city. She said: "I loved working in hospitality, but it was just a sad place to work post-Covid because nobody was going out. 'I wanted to do something to inject fun back into going to the pub and entice people to get back to their favourite locals. I managed to secure funding to create the initial Spin the Wheel type game and trialled it across a few pubs in Edinburgh. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "It became an instant hit and it's just spiralled from there. People became competitive with their friends on who'd win the most prizes, so it added another dimension to the night out." Eilidh graduated from Dundee University in 2021 with a business degree, and set up the business later that same year. Despite having no tech background, she managed to attract funding for the app. Now a team of four, the business was assisted with funding from Scottish EDGE - a business funding competition. Eilidh, speaking ahead of the Scottish EDGE finals this Friday 9 May, said: "We had big brands getting in touch to say they had no market data to track behaviour at their events. "We create a specific game for each company we work with, telling their brand story for the customer through the game. We can now provide them with data insights on the age demographic of customers. "It works great in the UK and the dream in the future would be to make it a success across the world." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. Calum Purdie, Technology and Life Sciences Ecosystem Manager at Johnston Carmichael, helps to judge EDGE competitors' pitches, and supports winners with business advice. Calum said: "Eilidh has an amazing back story, and it's been great to see how Tavora has gone from strength to strength in recent years, working with an incredible array of established brands. "Johnston Carmichael and Scottish EDGE are both pleased to have played a small part in supporting the business reach this stage, and we'd like to wish the very best of luck to everyone taking part in this year's finals."
